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Umbilical cord milking at birth for term newborns with acidosis: neonatal outcomes

Journal of Perinatology volume 38, pages 240–244 (2018)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

To determine if umbilical cord milking is detrimental in compromised term/near-term infants.

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of infants with abnormal cord gases (cord arterial or venous pH of ≤ 7.1 or base deficit > −12). We collected maternal risk factors, cord management, birth, and neonatal outcomes during hospitalization.

Result

We found 157 infants who met the criteria for abnormal cord gases. Thirty-six of those had umbilical cord milking at delivery. There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes, but fewer infants in the cord milking group needed resuscitation (38 vs. 56%, p = 0.07) and ongoing respiratory support (19 vs. 31%, p = 0.16) compared to the immediate clamping group.

Conclusions

While not significant, infants who received cord milking at birth needed less resuscitation and ongoing respiratory support. This study suggests that umbilical cord milking appears to be a safe therapy when acidosis is present and when resuscitation is needed.

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Author contributions

Dr. Katheria and Dr. Mercer conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, designed the data collection instruments, and coordinated and supervised data collection, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. MB, WR, KH, and BP acquired the data, carried out the initial analyses, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Dr. Harbert and Dr. Finer interpreted the results, reviewed and revised the final manuscript, and approved the final manuscript All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neonatal Research Institute at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns, San Diego, CA, USA

    Anup Katheria, Melissa Brown, Wade Rich, Katie Baker, MJ Harbert, Brianna Pierce, Kasim Hassen & Neil Finer

  2. University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA

    Judith Mercer

  3. Women and Infants Hospital and Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Judith Mercer

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  1. Anup Katheria
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Correspondence to Anup Katheria.

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Katheria, A., Mercer, J., Brown, M. et al. Umbilical cord milking at birth for term newborns with acidosis: neonatal outcomes. J Perinatol 38, 240–244 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-017-0011-9

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